Turkey's Place in the Global AI Race: Between Sovereignty and Dependence

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the Republic of Turkey. It examines key documents that shape Turkey's AI strategy. National strategies, ministerial plans, and presidential programs are presented and analyzed. Technological problems in the development of the field are noted, which prevent Turkey from achieving the desired economic effect from the advancement of the AI sector. These technologies are often used in the field of public administration. Turkey aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem where AI technologies facilitate faster data analysis and decision-making. Key government agencies responsible for developing strategies and technologies and promoting AI in various areas are outlined. The article discusses some examples of the application of AI technologies from the military sphere to healthcare, allowing for an understanding of the level of development and implementation in the field. A comparative analysis of Turkey's position in the global competition for the use of AI is made. The research is based on systemic and structural-functional approaches. A set of political science methods was also used to study the object, among which comparative analysis, public policy analysis, and case studies should be highlighted. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the lack of research on this topic in Russian science. In general, it is noted that scientific and technological development remains one of the key priorities of the Turkish leadership, which requires active work in the field of modern technologies. Artificial intelligence has become one of the areas of global competition where developed countries seek to develop national solutions and implement them in various areas of government and public life due to the expectation of economic benefits. Despite Turkey's attempts to update this area, including it in national strategies, it is lagging behind the leaders of the region. At the current stage, Turkey cannot achieve technological sovereignty in the field of AI, even in partnership with countries such as Brazil, Russia, and India. It is quite realistic to connect to the models created by the United States, the EU and China while achieving their own success in certain areas of AI application. Moreover, Turkey is already using technologies from the United States, the EU and China in certain areas.